In their Homecoming game against the Republic County Buffaloes Feb. 9, the Ellsworth girls’ basketball team took a win of 44-32.

After winning the tipoff, the Cats were ready to go. On the first possession, sophomore Elyse Haxton drove for a layup, got fouled and sank both free throws. In fact, for both teams, all points were scored on free throws until the score reached 6-3. Then, sophomore Lainey Peschka dropped in a 3 to boost Ellsworth into motion.

The first quarter ended with a Bearcat lead of 12-10.

Coming out in the second quarter, the Cats ran a long offensive possession and finished it with a 3 by senior Kylan Turnipseed. After a stop immediately after on defense, the Cats were able to increase their lead with a pull-up by Haxton.

As fouls began to play a major role in the game, both teams began to make their way to the free throw line. Throughout the game, the Cats controlled their lead through their free throw opportunities. Of the 27 they shot, the Bearcats made 16. The Buffs made nine of their 16 possible.

At the end of the first half, Ellsworth expanded their lead to 29-12.

Starting the second half, Peschka was the first to put up points for the Cats on an inbounds pass from Haxton. Then, while scoring was low, Ellsworth showed their efforts defensively. By frustrating Republic County’s offense, they were unable to get anything going.

The Cats ended the third quarter up, 37-19.

Turnipseed started the fourth quarter with an and-1 layup, sinking the extra shot to make it a 3-point play. However, the Buffaloes scored in their two next possessions as well, including an and-1 by Stindt.

By re-applying their press, the Cats were able to speed up the Buffs’ offense and were therefore able to gain more scoring opportunities on steals and transitions.

Despite Republic County increasing their pressure in an attempt to gain the ball on steals or fouls, Ellsworth maintained control on the court and came away on top with a final score of 44-32.

The Cats will compete at home Feb. 16 in their senior night game against Bennington.

Minneapolis Feb. 6

The girls’ basketball team lost the Feb. 6 winter homecoming game against the Minneapolis Lions, 54-31. Sophomore Lainey Peschka was the high scorer, scoring 7 points over the course of the game.

It was clear the Lions had the edge from the start, despite the contributions of sophomore Johanna Lindsley, lead scorer in the first quarter with 4 points. The quarter ended 14-9, Lions.

In the second quarter, the Cats tightened their defense. This had the desired effect, as the Lions only scored half as many points as they did in the first quarter. This was the lowest scoring period for both teams. Peschka was the lead scorer for Ellsworth, making 2 of the 4 points for the quarter. The quarter ended 21-13 with Lions still in the lead.

The third quarter was the Cats’ most profitable quarter. Sophomore Alexis Moore was lead scorer, earning 4 points, half of which from free throws. Even though the Bearcats did well, the Lions still managed to do slightly better, allowing them to keep their lead, and the third quarter ended 31-26.

The Lions also tightened their defense in the final quarter, only this time, the Bearcats did not reciprocate. Peschka was once again high scorer, making a 3-pointer, but it wasn’t enough, as the Lions expanded their lead and won, 54-31.